We’re proud to be the voice of NZ retailers
As the peak body for New Zealand retailers, advocacy is a core mission of Retail NZ. By lobbying Government Ministers and policymakers, we make sure your interests are heard at the Beehive and at all levels of government. Here’s an outline of some of the advocacy work we do at Retail NZ.
See current consultations open to feedback from members
Read recent submissions we’ve made on the issues that matter to retailers
Join our working groups on ongoing retail issues.
What we stand for
- Reducing the cost of doing business.
- A fair playing field for all NZ retailers.
- Growing opportunities for retailers, to help you deliver great shopping experiences.
- Minimising red tape & compliance requirements that get in the way.
- Allowing consumers to make their own informed decisions about shopping.
- Ensuring the retail industry is recognised as a key contributor to New Zealand’s economic prosperity.
What we do
- Meet directly with key stakeholders and policymakers to discuss retail issues. Retail NZ also has a seat on the Ministerial Advisory Group on retail crime.
- Speak up for the retail sector in the media, raising awareness of retail issues on a national scale.
- Make submissions on open consultations, to influence new policy to better align with retailers’ needs.
- We actively work with our members to inform our advocacy, ensuring we accurately represent retailers. Members can share their views via surveys, email, phone and dedicated working groups.
Your voice matters: the input and feedback we receive from members is invaluable to our advocacy work.
What we’re working on right now
Open consultations we are seeking Retail NZ member feedback on will be listed here, so check back regularly to see current topics of interest. If you are aware of any other issues we should be commenting on, get in touch at [email protected].
Recent submissions to Government
Trespass (Specified Retail Premises and Other Matters) Amendment Bill – May 2026, Justice Committee Trespass is seen by retailers as a vital safety mechanism for protecting staff from anti-social, abusive or violent behaviour, while also reducing theft of property. However, the use of trespass could be more effective if the Act is modernised. Retail NZ is generally supportive of the intent of the Bill, but we made several recommendations to ensure it is more workable in practice, includes better protections for children, and protects both the retailer’s social licence and an individual’s rights.
Policing Amendment Bill – April 2026, Justice Committee. Retail NZ supports this Bill and its intent to clarify the Police’s ability to record images and sounds in public places for lawful purposes, and to expand Police’s temporary road closure powers.
Employment Leave Bill – April 2026, Education and Workforce Committee.
Retail NZ supports the intent of the Employment Leave Bill to simplify leave entitlements, improve clarity, and enable more accurate payroll systemisation. We welcome proportionate, hours-based accrual of sick leave and annual leave, and the removal of multiple, complex formulas to calculate leave and holiday payments. However, members have identified several areas where the Bill, as currently drafted, risks imposing unnecessary cost, operational complexity, or unintended consequences for retailers—particularly small and medium‑sized businesses.
Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill – March 2026, Education and Workforce Committee.
Retail NZ supports the Bill’s intent to create a more practical and proportionate health and safety system, with clearer duties and lower compliance pressure for small businesses. We support a shift to prioritising critical risks in low-hazard retail environments, particularly for SMEs, and development of industry-specific Approved Codes of Practice. We recommend further clarification to ensure effective implementation, including clearer definitions and better alignment between duties and real-world risks.
Crimes Amendment Bill – February 2026, Justice Committee.
Retail NZ supports stronger deterrents of retail crime, but have deep concerns about the practical and legal implications proposed in this Bill around proposed citizen’s arrest provisions. Retail NZ disagrees with all proposals around citizen’s arrest and the use of mechanical constraints, as it creates an irreconcilable conflict between the Crimes Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act and puts retail staff, customers and alleged offenders at an unacceptable risk of harm. Retail NZ supports the proposed new offence of disorderly theft, proposed changes to infringement notices and enhanced penalties, and the strengthening of human trafficking laws and protections for first responders.
Child and Youth Retailing Offending survey – November 2025, Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on Victims of Retail Crime. Retail NZ is calling for action on youth crime which prioritises early intervention to stop children and young people entering the pipeline of lifelong offending. In our response to the Ministerial Advisory Group on Victims of Retail Crime, we said tangible consequences are needed for offenders that act as an effective deterrent, without institutionalising young people and exposing them to an environment that fuels criminality.
Proactive technology solutions to reduce retail crime – September 2025, Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG). Retail NZ advocates for a flexible, principles-based regulatory approach to technologies such as facial recognition technology and information-sharing networks, rather than rigid legislative rules. We emphasise the need for robust privacy safeguards, clear governance standards, and context-dependent thresholds for technology use. Retail NZ supports ongoing collaboration with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to ensure that crime prevention efforts are effective, proportionate, and respectful of individual privacy rights, while prioritising the safety of retail staff and the public.
Personal Safety Aids – July 2025, Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime
Retail NZ strongly opposes any legalisation of pepper spray for business or private use in New Zealand. We have concerns about the significant risks pepper spray would pose to staff, customers, and the broader community.
Inquiry into the Harm Young New Zealanders Encounter Online – July 2025, Education & Workforce Committee.
Retail NZ highlighted the increasing instances where young retail workers face online abuse, harassment and intimidation. We urged the committee to ensure offences relating to online abuse are clearly defined and carry appropriate, enforceable penalties which reflect the seriousness of the harm caused by online threats, intimidation, and harassment.
Draft Biometric Processing Privacy Code – March 2025, Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
Retail NZ has called on the Privacy Commissioner to take account of wider societal issues like crime and its impacts on the physical and mental wellbeing of retailers, staff and customers when finalising the Biometric Processing Privacy Code. In our submission on the draft Code, we say it must not hinder innovation or place excessive burdens on businesses wanting to use biometrics. Our May 2024 submission previously advised against the need for a biometric code of practice for similar reasons.
Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill – February 2025, Justice Committee.
We support the overall aim of this Bill, which will assist retail employers’ efforts to keep their staff as safe as possible, while they are at work, and when commuting to and from their workplace. We hope it will be a deterrent against abusive behaviour and reinforce the message that threats, intimidation and persistent harassment – whether in person or via digital means – will not be tolerated in a retail environment.
Work Health & Safety Review – October 2024, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.
Our submission said health and safety legislation is fit for purpose to enable workplace safety. However, we called for more up to date guidance and support to be available to businesses.The submission will feed into a review of Work Health & Safety legislation.
Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill – October 2024, Justice Committee.
Retail NZ says retail workers are traumatised by crime whether they work in a small store or in a big-box outlet. Our submission on the Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill says offences against any retail worker must be treated as an aggravating factor at sentencing, not only sole charge workers or where a business is connected to a home.
Result: The Bill was passed into law on 29 March 2025. It introduces a new aggravating factor to address offences against sole charge workers and those whose home and business are interconnected.
Companies (Address Information) Amendment Bill – May 2024, Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.
Retail NZ called for company directors to be allowed to keep their residential addresses private if they wish.
Result: The Bill was passed by Parliament on 12 November 2025. Company directors will be permitted to use an address other than their home address on the Companies Register.
Petition of Benjamin Sims – Require payment blocks on age-restricted purchases by under-18s – June 2026, Petitions Committee
While some Retail NZ members noted there could be some merit in requiring automatic blocks on payments as an additional safeguard for the purchase of age-restricted goods, Retail NZ explained how incredibly complex the payments space is and outlined how it would be difficult to implement. We also stressed that if this was to be implemented, the obligation would need to lie with the banks, not the retailers.
Financial Markets (International Money Transfers) Amendment Bill – June 2026, Governance and Administrative Committee
Retail NZ is supportive of the intent of this Bill to improve transparency around the fees charged by financial institutions for international money transfers. However, the Bill would benefit from further clarification and direction to attain the level of transparency it is seeking to achieve.
Application for collective bargaining in relation to Cash-in-Transit services – October 2025, Commerce Commission
Retail NZ supports the application by the New Zealand Banking Association (NZBA) for authorisation to undertake collective bargaining in relation to Cash-in-Transit (CIT) services. We strongly support the right for any eligible retailer to voluntarily join the collective negotiation arrangement with the NZBA and other parties, on the basis that this will provide balance in the marketplace.
Result: The Commerce Commission has declined the application for interim authorisation for interested parties to collectively negotiate with Evergreen International LLC (Armourguard) over cash-in-transit services. The Commission is continuing to consider NZBA’s application for full authorisation.
Ban on Merchant Surcharges Amendment Bill – October 2025, Finance and Expenditure Committee
Retail NZ is strongly opposed to the proposed prohibition on surcharges for accepting credit and debit card payments, including domestic, international and commercial Visa and Mastercard card. We say the proposed legislation is poorly targeted, has been rushed through without consultation, and risks significant unintended consequences for retailers and consumers alike. Read more in our submission.
Open letter on proposed surcharge ban – September 2025, Payments NZ.
Retail NZ and the Auckland Chamber, alongside a broad coalition of 34 Chambers of Commerce, industry and business associations, has sent a strong message to the Government, urging it to reconsider its proposed ban on surcharges for in-person debit and credit card transactions on the Visa and Mastercard network.
Payments for the next generation – March 2025, Payments NZ.
Retail NZ supports plans to modernise Aotearoa New Zealand’s payments system but says retailers must be involved in developments to ensure their needs are met. The submission is in response to Payments NZ’s consultation on what a next-gen payments system should look like.
Interchange Fee Regulation – March 2025, Commerce Commission.
Retail NZ supports the Commerce Commission proposal to set lower fee caps for the Interchange component of the designated Mastercard and Visa networks. But we want the Commission to go further and look at other aspects of the retail payment system.
Retail Payment System consultation – September 2024, Commerce Commission.
Retail NZ’s submission supported further regulation to reduce interchange fees but called on the Commerce Commission to go much further by regulating all components of merchant service fees, all card schemes and all payment types, to ensure fair and reasonable charges.
Result: in December 2024, the Commerce Commission issued a draft decision for consultation. Retail NZ is currently seeking member feedback on this.
Digital cash in New Zealand consultation – July 2024, Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Retail NZ is in favour of digital cash being introduced to New Zealand. However, our submission said work is needed to ensure that the payments infrastructure is ready. We also highlighted the importance of security and safety for both retailers and consumers.
Improving retail payments: payments between bank accounts – May 2024, Commerce Commission.
Retail NZ supported the Commerce Commission’s proposal to designate the interbank payment network. We support this move as a necessary step towards creating an effective and efficient regulatory landscape that promotes innovation in retail payments.
Result: in August 2024, the Commerce Commission recommended to the Minister of Commerce that the interbank payment network should be designated under the Retail Payment System Act.
Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill – April 2026. Retail NZ supports the intent of the Bill to increase the effectiveness of the immigration compliance and enforcement system, improve the integrity of the refugee and protection system, and improve the operation of the wider immigration system. However, there are some areas within this Bill that could benefit from further consideration to ensure the balance is right between national security and safety, and humanitarian factors. However, we recommend that further consideration is given to the areas regarding migrant exploitation, recording of information, auditing of information and the security of personal information.
Employment Relations Amendment Bill – August 2025, Education and Workforce Committee. Retail NZ supports the overall intent of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, and its objectives to enhance labour market flexibility, reduce compliance costs, and rebalance the personal grievance setting. With further recommended clarifications, we believe these proposed changes are positive steps towards fostering business confidence.
Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Bill – July 2025, Education and Workforce Committee. Retail NZ is in support the overall purpose of the Bill, particularly its focus on improving system integrity, protecting migrant workers, and ensuring fiscal sustainability. However, we oppose the proposed expansion of immigration levies to employers, as this could impose an undue financial burden on retailers. Read more in our submission to the Education and Workforce Committee.
Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill – June 2025, Education and Workforce Committee. Changes to the work-based learning system must be ‘industry led and government enabled’ so that vocational education and training is agile, aligned with industry needs and supported by employers who have confidence in the system. Read more in our submission to the Vocational Education and Training System Amendment Bill.
Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Agreement) Amendment Bill – May 2025, Education and Workforce Committee. Retail NZ is supportive of the overall aim of this Bill, which would enable employers to conduct negotiations with employees to terminate the employee’s contract without the risk of grievance for constructive dismissal. We recommend some further clarification to ensure that employers and employees understand their rights and obligations under this amendment.
Options for the future of Work-Based Learning – February 2025, Ministry of Education.
New Zealand’s work-based learning system must be responsive to industry needs, deliver the skills that employers need in a timely and cost-effective manner, and be of high quality. In our submission on the future of work-based learning, Retail NZ says industry must be consulted on changes to the system.
Result: In April 2025, the Government announced changes to work-based learning so that industries have more influence over how they train apprentices and trainees. From 1 January 2026, new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will set training standards, endorse programmes and moderate assessments.
Employment Relations (Pay Deductions for Partial Strikes) Amendment Bill – January 2025, Education and Workforce Committee. Retail NZ supports the aim of this Bill, which gives employers the ability to fairly and transparently deduct pay from their employees during a partial strike.
Result: The Bill was passed into law in June 2025.
Employees’ right to disclose their remuneration – January 2025, Education and Workforce Committee.
Retail NZ supported the Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill, which would allow employees to share details of their remuneration with a third party. The Bill aims to help avoid pay discrimination.
Result: The Bill was passed in August 2025.
Vocational Education and Training reforms – September 2024, Ministry of Education.
Our submission seeks continuing support for work-based learning and those with learning challenges, greater industry input to standards-setting, and a system that is more responsive to changes in market circumstances and technological developments.
Better Regional Boundaries Bill – June 2026, Governance and Administration Committee
Retail NZ is supportive of the intent of the Bill to ensure regional boundaries are consistent across government agencies and local government, to eliminate confusion, inconsistencies, and ensure New Zealanders are getting adequate access to public services. However, Retail NZ recommends work be done to ensure it does not make it more difficult for people to access services, or worsen the quality of services, and asked for clarity over how these new boundaries will be decided.
Advertising Standards Code Consultation – June 2026, Advertising Standards Authority
Retail NZ largely supports the proposed changes to the Advertising Standards Code, including the removal of the Consent and Exploitation of children and young people rules, as they are already sufficiently covered elsewhere within the Code and in legislation. However, we raised concerns around the rewording of the Decency and Offensiveness and Truthful Presentation rules, and highlighted some other minor changes to be considered.
Time of Use Charging Regulations Consultation – June 2026, Ministry of Transport
Retail NZ members understand the need to address traffic congestion, however, the way the Ministry of Transport has designed this time of use charging framework does not take into account the difference between discretionary and essential road use, nor does it take into account what impacts such high charges for freight movements will have on the wider economy. Retail NZ has strongly recommended freight and public transport be exempt from congestion charges.
Modern Slavery Bill – May 2026, Education and Workforce Committee
Retail NZ supports the intent of the Bill to strengthen protections against modern slavery – such as forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation – as well as improving accountability and transparency within a business’s operations and supply chains. However, Retail NZ is recommending further clarification and refinement, including around reporting periods, information requirements and implementation timeframes, to ensure it is s workable and fit-for-purpose, particularly the retail sector.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill Submission – May 2026, Justice Committee
Retail NZ is supportive of the intent of the Bill to simplify licensing processes, reduce unnecessary barriers to legitimate business activity, and improve procedural fairness, while continuing to support the object of the Act to minimise alcohol related harm. We did identify several areas where the Bill, as currently drafted, would benefit from further refinement or clarification to ensure the changes operate proportionately and do not introduce new sources of uncertainty.
Commerce (Commerce Commission) Amendment Bill – April 2026, Finance and Expenditure Committee
Retail NZ is generally supportive of the intent of the Bill to ensure the Commerce Commission’s structure, objectives and functions are fit-for-purpose. However, we recommend further clarification in some parts of the Bill to safeguard the integrity and independence of the Commission, ensure it can undertake its work more transparently and efficiently, and ensure it is adaptable to any future changes in the commerce space.
Data and Statistics Amendments Bill – April 2026, Justice Committee
Retail NZ generally supports an annual census model that makes greater use of administrative data to improve efficiency and timeliness. However, we are concerned that an administrative‑data‑first approach risks reducing the accuracy, granularity and representativeness of census data for key segments of the NZ population that may have reduced visibility under an administrative-data-only model. We advocate for retaining a substantial, ongoing survey component to capture subjective and complex information that administrative data cannot adequately measure, along with strong transparency and consultation requirements.
Building (earthquake-prone buildings) Amendment Bill – February 2026, Transport and Infrastructure Committee
Retail NZ is largely supportive of the goals and suspected outcomes of the Bill, in that it aims move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more proportionate, risk-based regime under the new national framework. It also provides more certainty to building owners and leaseholders around the status of buildings and requirements around remedial work. Retailers recognise the importance of reducing the risk to life posed by buildings vulnerable to seismic events, and the need to balance public safety and economic sustainability.
Planning Bill – February 2026, Environment Committee
The government is proposing changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) through the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill. Retail NZ submitted on the Planning Bill, in which we were generally supportive of the goals to simplify the planning process and create greater certainty for those wanting to undertake building work.
Emergency Management Bill – February 2026, Governance and Administration Committee
Retail NZ supports the Bill and its objective to strengthen and modernise New Zealand’s emergency management system, but have recommended it should expressly provide for statutory authorities to allow specified essential-service classes, including food, fuel and other essential goods and services, access to roads even when closed to the general public.
Fast-track approvals for supermarkets – November 2025, Environment Committee
Retail NZ strongly supports the intent of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill’s intent to improve competition in the grocery sector and streamline consenting processes. However, we believe the Bill should be amended to ensure that all supermarket development applications, whether from new entrants or existing supermarket operators, can easily access the fast-track regime for developments that deliver consumer benefits. Competition and consumer benefit should be the test — not ownership status.
Collecting GST details – October 2025, Finance & Expenditure Committee
Retail NZ has asked for amendments to taxation legislation that would clarify the requirements for retailers to collect GST registration status from customers. The proposed change would place the responsibility for declaring GST registration status with the customer, and protects the retailer from liability provided they have taken reasonable steps to confirm that status.
Fast dispute resolution proposal – September 2025, Ministry of Justice.
The Ministry of Justice is exploring a new statutory adjudication framework for business-to-business disputes. The Ministry says this would give businesses a new way to resolve disputes quickly and privately, without having to go to court. Retail NZ agrees in principle but has highlighted a few concerns and considerations that are particularly relevant to our members.
Inquiry into Ports and the Maritime Sector – July 2025, Transport and Infrastructure Committee.
Efficient and reliable ports and maritime activity are essential to the success of New Zealand’s retail sector. In our submission to the Parliamentary Transport and Infrastructure Committee’s inquiry into ports and the maritime sector, we asked the committee to examine the ports and maritime sectors’ role in supply chain continuity, especially for the Cook Strait ferry connection.
Mutual transactions of associations – June 2025, Inland Revenue Department – Retail NZ is concerned about an IRD proposal to tax member subscriptions of not-for-profit business associations, as this would seriously weaken our ability to support the businesses we serve, as well as increasing compliance costs.
Sale of alcohol on restricted trading days – May 2025, Justice Committee.
Retail NZ is calling on Parliament to liberalise trading restrictions on restricted trading days. In our submission on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill, we said the Bill’s scope should be widened to allow retailers to determine whether they open on restricted trading days and to decide if they sell alcohol.
Conditional support for congestion charging – April 2025, Transport and Infrastructure Committee.
Retail NZ conditionally supports congestion charging if it can be shown to improve overall travel times. However, in our submission to the Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill, we said the potential impacts on retail businesses in city centres must be considered carefully before congestion charges are introduced.
Result: The Bill was passed by Parliament on 11 November 2025 and will come into force in November 2026. It enables local authorities to propose time of use charging schemes, in consultation with local communities.
Supporting Wellington business through disruption on the Golden Mile – April 2025, Minister Chris Bishop.
Retail NZ, alongside the Wellington Chamber and Hospitality NZ, has signed a joint letter urging Minister Chris Bishop to co-fund a $5 million hardship fund. The proposed fund would support Wellington Golden Mile businesses facing severe disruption from upcoming construction, similar to the approach in Auckland with the City Rail Link and the Hardship Fund.
Right to Repair Bill – April 2025, Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.
Retail NZ supports the ‘Right to Repair’ Bill in principle but says the proposed legislation is unworkable in practice. In our submission, we have made several suggestions for changes but recommend the Bill does not proceed.
Result: The Parliamentary Select Committee reported back in August 2025 and recommended that the Bill does not proceed.
Taxation and the not-for-profit sector – March 2025, Inland Revenue Department.
Retail NZ has deep concerns at any suggestion that not-for-profit associations and charities should be taxed more. Our submission on Inland Revenue’s consultation says that both charities and incorporated societies should be supported to continue delivering social and public good.
Recovering the costs of goods management activities at the border – October 2024, New Zealand Customs Service.
Proposed new export fees on low value exports (under $1000) would unfairly impact small e-commerce retailers, Retail NZ says. We called for the proposed fee of $3.50 per consignment to be reviewed.
Result: Customs is proceeding with new fees on low value exports but has delayed their introduction until 1 April 2026 to give ecommerce businesses time to adjust.
Smokefree Environment & Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No2) – October 2024, Health Select Committee.
We called for changes to the proposed legislation that aimed to reduce young people’s access to vaping products. We suggested stronger penalties for supplying minors with vapes and a change to the definition of ‘disposable vaping product’.
Result: appropriate changes were made to the definition of disposable vaping product. The law changes passed in December 2024.
Length measurements regulations – September 2024, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Retail NZ supported a proposal to introduce a General Certificate of Approval or standard for length measures to ensure customers are not short-changed when buying goods by length. Manufacturers and importers would need to sell compliant length measures and retailers would need to use compliant length measures, but with a suitably long transition period.
Proposed levies for food businesses and food importers – March 2024, Ministry for Primary Industries.
Retail NZ pointed out that retail businesses are being challenged by the current economic conditions and any extra costs would have to be passed on to consumers.
Gift Card Expiry Bill – September 2023, Economic Development, Science, and Innovation Committee.
We supported the overall aim of the Bill, which was to ensure people have sufficient time to redeem the value of gift cards. However, we called for a 12 month transition period and highlighted issues with the treatment of gift cards in accounting.
Result: the Bill was passed into law in September 2024, with a longer transition period as we requested.
Join our working groups
We have set up several working groups for members to provide input into our advocacy efforts. These include groups on Retail Crime, Sustainability, Retail Payments and Holidays Act/Employment issues.
We welcome all perspectives from retailers, large and small. If you or a colleague are a Retail NZ member and interested in participating in one of the below groups, please contact [email protected].
Retail payments system
Making the cost structure of payments simple and easy to understand is critical to support ongoing uptake of new technologies, and to ensuring that payments on retail transactions are safe and seamless. Retail NZ is actively advocating for a more efficient and transparent retail payments system, with support from members of our working group.
Join this working group
Read our position on payments
Retail crime
Retail crime presents a health and safety risk to employees and customers, and to the financial sustainability of retail businesses. With support from our Retail Crime working group, Retail NZ is working to develop solutions to support retailers in the fight against crime.
Join this working group
Read our position on retail crime
Visit our retail crime advice hub
Sustainability
Protecting New Zealand’s environment is a shared responsibility between producers, manufacturers, brand-owners, retailers, consumers, and central and local government. Retail NZ’s Sustainability working group seeks solutions for retailers’ environmental challenges, and shares information on best practice.
Human resources
The Government is reviewing a wide range of employment law in 2025, including the Holidays Act, Health & Safety at Work Act and the Employment Relations Act. Retail NZ will respond to these consultations with support and input from our Human Resources working group.
Want to know more?
If you have enquiries about the above or any other issues affecting your retail business, email [email protected].
